Sorry Boys, This Chick Is No Longer Available
*JUST KIDDING*...but read on...
This is my 'husband', Fodaiy Fatty, also known as Paabi. He's three and technically my cousin (his father is my uncle).
Just recently, our relationship has started to bloom. Since my arrival to my permanent village, Fodaiy, unfortunately, has been afraid of me. As soon as he'd see me, he'd run the other way---all the while laughing and screaming at the same time. Then he'd start to cry. I told him repeatedly that our relationship would not work if he continued to be fearful of me, but he never responded or even listened. Typical male---never listens or perhaps it's because he doesn't speak English and I don't really speak Mandinka well...who knows.
A few weeks back, however, Paabi, fell asleep in my arms. I'm not sure if he was delirious or if he was jealous of Mero (see picture links) who is constantly in my lap and being held. Now, Paabi will come to my door, and at times, enter my house. Maybe we really can be a happy couple despite the language barrier (and obvious age difference).
Let me tell you a little bit more about Paabi...
Paabi can hardly talk and when he does, he mutters things that are indecipherible, even by his native Mandinka speaking family. Paabi likes to eat and has a big belly to show for it, or it could be attributed to the fact that he neve wears shoes and may have contracted worms because of this. Paabi also has a weird eye twitch that no one seems to notice except me. But I really like my husband for his uncanny similarity to one of Rock 'n Roll's greatest legends...Freddie Mercury of Queen. Paabi's dancing talent is much like Freddie's. In fact, Paabi typically parades around the compound half-naked or even completely naked. On more than one occasion have I noted that Paabi's dance moves share a striking resemblance to Freddie's performance of Radio GaGa at LiveAID (check out the video). The sad part is that I am the only one that finds the humor in his likeness to Freddie. My family has no idea who Freddie is, nor Queen...nor anything of the sort. Regardless, we all laugh at Paabi and yell at him when he stops to pee in the middle of the compound and then continues dancing. I laugh, however, because Paabi has helped me bring a smile and chuckle to the faces of many old men and many young 'cool' Rasta-bumster wannabes in my village. When those groups ask me if I have a husband, I say yes and point to the dancing three year-old donkey boy. And for this, I remain forever devoted to Paabi...
This is my 'husband', Fodaiy Fatty, also known as Paabi. He's three and technically my cousin (his father is my uncle).
Just recently, our relationship has started to bloom. Since my arrival to my permanent village, Fodaiy, unfortunately, has been afraid of me. As soon as he'd see me, he'd run the other way---all the while laughing and screaming at the same time. Then he'd start to cry. I told him repeatedly that our relationship would not work if he continued to be fearful of me, but he never responded or even listened. Typical male---never listens or perhaps it's because he doesn't speak English and I don't really speak Mandinka well...who knows.
A few weeks back, however, Paabi, fell asleep in my arms. I'm not sure if he was delirious or if he was jealous of Mero (see picture links) who is constantly in my lap and being held. Now, Paabi will come to my door, and at times, enter my house. Maybe we really can be a happy couple despite the language barrier (and obvious age difference).
Let me tell you a little bit more about Paabi...
Paabi can hardly talk and when he does, he mutters things that are indecipherible, even by his native Mandinka speaking family. Paabi likes to eat and has a big belly to show for it, or it could be attributed to the fact that he neve wears shoes and may have contracted worms because of this. Paabi also has a weird eye twitch that no one seems to notice except me. But I really like my husband for his uncanny similarity to one of Rock 'n Roll's greatest legends...Freddie Mercury of Queen. Paabi's dancing talent is much like Freddie's. In fact, Paabi typically parades around the compound half-naked or even completely naked. On more than one occasion have I noted that Paabi's dance moves share a striking resemblance to Freddie's performance of Radio GaGa at LiveAID (check out the video). The sad part is that I am the only one that finds the humor in his likeness to Freddie. My family has no idea who Freddie is, nor Queen...nor anything of the sort. Regardless, we all laugh at Paabi and yell at him when he stops to pee in the middle of the compound and then continues dancing. I laugh, however, because Paabi has helped me bring a smile and chuckle to the faces of many old men and many young 'cool' Rasta-bumster wannabes in my village. When those groups ask me if I have a husband, I say yes and point to the dancing three year-old donkey boy. And for this, I remain forever devoted to Paabi...
posted by Stephanie at 1:11 AM
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